ANTHONY JOSHUA has hit back at criticism of him posing for a photo with Saudi Arabia’s controversial Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
The Brit heavyweight world champ, 30, regained his titles last weekend by beating Andy Ruiz Jr in their £59million rematch in the Gulf state.
Anthony Joshua was criticised for this picture with Crown Prince Mohammad bin SalmanCredit: Twitter @ARoyalAgency
And AJ was slated for a snap with bin Salman, who rarely poses for pictures, taken after the fight.
Saudi Arabia has come under intense scrutiny for their human rights record and received international condemnation over the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at their consulate in Istanbul last year.
Critics have branded AJ’s fight the latest example of ‘sport-washing’, where the country uses big sporting events to appease detractors and appear welcoming to the Western world.
The Saudi royals have also been linked with a £3billion takeover of Manchester United.
A spokesperson for Joshua told the Star: “Anthony is an athlete and not a politician.
“The Crown Prince is a head of state and has been photographed with everyone from Boris Johnson, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates to Barack Obama and The Rock.
“Anthony has been shown a pathway to take the sport in a direction where it can influence great change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and hopes his presence there will continue to shine a positive light and create further conversation around the region.
“He in no way condones any abuse on human rights anywhere in the world.
“The Crown Prince was so thrilled with the boxing match he invited Anthony to the palace and they had a picture to remember the historical moment in boxing history.”
Joshua is expected to fight a mandatory bout with Oleksandr Usyk next with the WBO setting a June 4 deadline for a fight.
He has until January 10 to agree.
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman had a VVIP seat during the bout at the purpose-built stadium in DiriyahCredit: AFP or licensors
Inside Anthony Joshua’s celebrations as he chants ‘can I get a two-time’ after Ruiz win
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
